OU Women’s Initiative Celebrates First Nach Yomi Siyum

This January, the Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative will be celebrating the

culmination of its first two-year Nach Yomi cycle featuring shiurim from women scholars, with a

series of celebratory events in New York, Israel and across the country. The Torat Imecha Nach

Yomi program began in January 2020 and has featured daily downloadable audio shiurim on

Nach, Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings).

“What Nach affords you, as a learner, is to be part of the journey and history of the Jewish

people and be an audience to the sacred words of our prophets.” says Rebbetzin Dr. Adina

Shmidman, director of the OU Women’s Initiative.

Siyum events begin with shiurim on Shabbat Shira, January 14-15, by Nach Yomi educators at

shuls across the country. Renowned female scholars will speak in communities from California

to Colorado and from Toronto to Texas. So far, the list includes 22 speakers and cities, but will

continue to grow as the event nears.

“The OU Women’s Initiative Nach Yomi program was an inspired idea that has created a

spiritual anchor for what has become a learning community of thousands of women who are

infusing their every day with Torah knowledge, guidance, and connection. We view this as a

critical contribution to Orthodox communal life and look forward to its growing impact,” observed

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union.

Rabbi Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the OU remarked,

“The number of women now learning Nach on a daily basis is quite simply astounding. We thank

the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi participants and our leadership for making this the largest women’s

learning program…ever. With so many women learning the same text with the same teacher –

Yeyasher Kochachem!”

The siyum festivities continue on Sunday, January 16th with a celebration at Congregation Beth

Sholom in Lawrence, NY. This women-only program will include music by composer and vocalist

Sorah Shaffren, talks by Nach Yomi educators and a catered lunch.

Nach Yomi participants in Israel will enjoy two more special events starting with shiurim at the

OU Israel Center on Sunday, January 23rd. On Monday, January 24th, events continue with a

talk entitled “Yehoshua and You” and a tour of Qasr al Yuhud and Mitzepe Yericho with Rivi

Frankel and end with a grand siyum celebration in Yerushalayim in the evening.

“Rebbetzin Dr. Shmidman and the OU’s Women’s Initiatives Department advances the

fundamental values of Torah Judaism. The Nach Yomi program exemplifies this commitment,

ensuring that each and every day includes an expansion of one’s Torah knowledge,”

commented Moishe Bane, president of the OU.

The program has been a tremendous success. More than 6,500 women are subscribed to

receive the daily learning modules, which total 742 individual shiurim, and more than 1,000

women have completed the full series. The program is meant for women of all ages and

religious and educational backgrounds to learn on their own schedules.

“What’s truly remarkable is to find women of such diverse backgrounds—learning, hashkafic,

geographic, age—being part of the same classroom, learning and growing together, “ says

Shmidman, who is also rebbetzin of The Lower Merion Synagogue in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

“Torat Imecha Nach Yomi has created a space of strength and support through the gift of our

holy sefarim. The dedication of both participants and educators is extraordinary and speaks to

the remarkable impact of this program.”

Participants who have completed the series are invited to add their names to the online Siyum

Scroll at ou.org/women/nachsiyum.

The program launched at a particularly opportune time. In January 2020, when the most recent

cycle of Daf Yomi started, there was an increase in attention on daily learning. Shortly thereafter,

the Covid-19 pandemic forced many to isolate and find more virtual learning opportunities.

“It’s been incredible to hear from so many participants how connected they feel to these beloved

texts and how much, over these last two difficult years, these words have been such an anchor,”

says Shmidman,” says Shmidman.

Elaine Tuchman, a Nach Yomi participant from Baltimore, is one such example. “I so much

appreciate this program as it permits me to learn whenever it is most convenient for me,” she

says, “Torat Imecha Nach Yomi is a very important part of my day. It brings me so much

simcha.”

To donate and participate in the in-person events or to livestream the celebrations, visit

ou.org/women/nachsiyum

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